All posts by theartofcontemporary

“We want to ensure that the living space of the community consists of value added features such as major public amenities and upgraded infrastructures.”

Royalty is a novelty. So unless you’re born into it or through marriage, most of us just live ordinary lives. But in the property world, you can become royalty through the old fashioned way of hard work and merit. That is how executive chairman of Ideal Property Group, Tan Sri Datuk Alex Ooi became the “Property King” of Penang. He has definitely earned this commendable title through his dedication and passion. From nothing, he started Ideal Property Group in 1997 and is now an award winning and well known Penang institution with an array of impressive local and international projects under its belt.

Some of its notable developments include the Attwood Business Centre with a gross development value (GDV) of USD15 million in Cambodia in 2006 and I-Avenue in 2007. Ooi has wrapped up SummerSkye Residences with Solaria Residences and is looking forward to the completion of One Foresta in January 2019.

With such a vast portfolio of projects and more in the pipeline, the 46 year old remains humble and says that property is a passion, rather than an ambition. He is also the chairman for FIABCI Malaysia Chapter Penang Branch, the vice president for Penang Chinese Chamber and Commerce and Convenor for Penang Development, Construction and Management Committee (a Group under Penang Chinese Chamber of Commerce).

Ooi strongly envisions the improvement of Penang’s transportation infrastructure and currently has a 20% stake in SRS Consortium Sdn Bhd, the project delivery partner of the Penang Transport Master Plan (PTMP). The PTMP is a RM27 billion investment that was formed by the Penang state government to improve transportation by providing alternative transportation modes to combat worsening traffic congestion – such as Light Rail Transit (LRT) and monorail lines.

“While I have multiple roles, what’s really important to me is CSR for the Penang community. Some of my causes were to build infrastructure and amenities like markets, hawker stalls, community centers, a fire station for the Sri Tanjung voluntary firemen. I’ve also supported the build of the St.John service centre, constructed the new access road of Persiaran Rajawali and widened the road along Jalan Tun Dr. Awang. We’ve also raised the road level and upgraded the drainage system in Relau, Bayan Lepas for flood mitigation purposes,” says Ooi, who is also a dedicated family man.

“While I have multiple roles, one thing that is important to me is carrying out CSR for the Penang community.”

He believes that Ideal Property Group has been successful because of its consistent CSR projects. On the business side, Ooi maintains his competitive advantage by delivering sustainable community-oriented development rather than offering just tower blocks as shelter.

“We’re prudent in planning developments where the surrounding environment is well taken care of. We want to ensure that the living space of the community consists of value added features such as major public amenities and upgraded infrastructures,” he said.

By doing this, the Property King will continue to reign as he will create more community-oriented and affordable development and at the same time, deliver more property gems and ultimately contribute to the nation’s economy.

“Although we are not Google or Yahoo, we would like to bring more creativity and innovation, Silicon Valley perks and ideas here so that Malaysia can provide a first-class digital business environment.”

Looking amazingly young for the title, Dato’ Henry Goh gives a fresh take to the young urbane entrepreneur.An authentic millennial success with an Ivy League education, th riving technology company and a title to boot, Goh is refreshingly humble, excited about life and work, and driven by aspirations instead of cash flow.Most women, and even some men perhaps, are disappointed that he is spoken for.

MACROKIOSK Bhd, a digital enabler that provides technology solutions to businesses in the digital economic world, is set up by three brothers – one of them being Dato’ Henry Goh. Goh studied electrical engineering and got his MBA from Boston University, Massachusetts. “My brothers and I started this business 18 years ago for some extra pocket money. Whatever I achieved in this company kind of defines what I am today.A good part of my working life is invested in this company.”

Information technology was an obvious choice when the brothers talked about operating a business in 1996.It started with the basics, teaching people how to use Microsoft and Excel.Through their father’s mobile phone master distributorship and Malaysia’s information age emergence, the company gained more momentum.“Nothing extraordinary, there was no eureka moment but through my dad we gained access to the world of SMS and from there on worked towards mobile technology.”

Besides providing digital economic solutions, MACROKIOSK is also passionate about contributing to the country, women empowerment and healthy business ethos.

Although started by three brothers, MACROKIOSK was never intended to be a family-run company. “We fight but we are brothers and we stick together.Trust is implicit.We also have a great team of staff, managers and department heads who helped us shape our success story.”

Pioneers of the ‘one-time password’ MACROKIOSK changed the landscape of digital economy, bringing businesses closer to more than seven billion consumers, some of whom may not read newspapers, watch TV or billboards.

“I believe almost everyone in Malaysia has used our services. In 2003 we helped one of the largest banks in Malaysia enable online banking. Today MACROKIOSK powers 90% of the banks in Malaysia in terms of technology.”

As for his own power, Goh recharges by travelling. He has covered more than 70 cities worldwide and the entire European continent. “I see and learn during my travels. It teaches me respect and humility.” And when he is not collecting luxury watches, Goh takes to the skies, soaring his way to attain his Private Pilot Licence.

Ask any watch enthusiast about Rolex, and chances are you’ll get regaled with stories about the foundry where Rolex creates the 18 ct gold alloys used for its watches or the two-colour Cerachrom bezels on the new GMT-Master II. Few will think of the Datejust collection, one of the more understated models of the Rolex family. The Oyster Perpetual Datejust is the archetype of the classic watch, thanks to functions and aesthetics that never go out of fashion. Aesthetically, the Datejust has spanned eras while retaining the enduring codes that today still make it one of the most recognisable of watches.

This year, Rolex introduces the new generation of the Oyster Perpetual Datejust 31, with redesigned case sides and lugs in 18 ct white, yellow or Everose gold. The new Datejust 31 is equipped with calibre 2236 for the first time, which provides great stability in the face of temperature variations and remains up to 10 times more precise in case of shocks.

Amongst the many combinations available, one, in 18 ct white gold, is fitted with a white mother-of-pearl dial and a diamond-set bezel. Another, in 18 ct yellow gold, features a malachite dial with a Roman VI and IX in 18 ct yellow gold set with diamonds, and a version in 18 ct Everose gold is introduced with a diamond-paved dial inlaid with pink mother-of-pearl butterflies.

The Oyster case of the Datejust 31 is guaranteed waterproof to a depth of 100 metres. Its refined middle case is crafted from a solid block of 18 ct yellow, white or Everose gold. Rolex uses only the highest quality natural stones and equips its team of gem-setters with the latest technologies to create gem-set timepieces that exude excellence.The Datejust 31 is no exception.

Bugatti has recently world-premiered Divo1 its latest supercar at the The Quail: A Motorsports Gathering held at Monterey, California. Tuned for agility, nimbleness and optimum handling performance on winding roads, the French sports caris named after Albert Divo, a French racing driver who was a two-time winner of the famous Targa Florio race on the mountainous roads of Sicily with Bugatti in the late 1920s.

Divo1 is powered by Bugatti’s iconic eight-litre W16 engine with a power output of 1,500 PS. The aerodynamics of the model have been intensively fine-tuned and the suspension and chassis settings have been modified.

As a result, the Divo is 35 kilograms (77 lbs) lighter and has 90 kilograms (198 lbs) more downforce than the standard Chiron2. The lateral acceleration of the Divo has been boosted to 1.6 g. Its maximum speed is limited to 380 km/h (236 mph).

Launched with a limited series of only 40 vehicles, a hefty price tag selling at €5 million each did not seem to deter any interest and were instantly sold out.

As one of the world’s most renowned Chinese couture designers, Guo Pei creates show-stopping ensembles that blend majestic opulence with theatrical fantasy. The designer’s bejeweled gowns, headpieces, and sculptural shoes were recently styled and photographed by HOWL Collective, who created a series of shots in celebration of the fashion visionary.

Published by Rizzoli as a monograph, the HOWL team’s 122 fairytale shots (titled Guo Pei – Couture Beyond) provide insight into Pei’s incredible designs and their connection with ancient Chinese culture through series of images from themed settings depicting mythical narratives such as Legend of the Dragon and One Thousand and Two Nights.

HOWL Collective announced, “The first major book on China’s leading couture visionary reveals the intricate craftsmanship and imperial glamour that has fashion publications worldwide declaring Guo Pei’s creations ‘the Empire’s new clothes.’”

More of HOWL Collective’s projects on their website and the Guo Pei – Couture Beyond photobook is now available on Amazon.

The IWC Racing Team has recently made its official Swiss debut at the 14th Arosa ClassicCar which saw former Formula One driver Karl Wendlinger drove the Mercedes-Benz 300 SL “Gullwing” on the winding 7.3 kilometre hill-climb route from Langwies to Arosa, finishing in seventh place. In 1999, motoring journalists named the 300 SL the Sports Car of the Century, and is instantly recognizable thanks to its gull-wing doors, which resemble the wings of a seagull.

Wendlinger is an ambassador for Mercedes-AMG, a company with which IWC shares a long-standing successful partnership. The Austrian was part of the Sauber-Mercedes team that won the 1991 World Sports Car Championship and later, became a star in the newly formed Sauber Formula One team.

The Arosa ClassicCar, dubbed “the little Monaco of the Alps”, has attracted fans of historic motor-sport from across the world since the first edition in 2005. It attracts around 25,000 spectators each year where the races are held along the twisting hill-climb route, which covers a distance of 7.3 kilometres and 422 vertical metres as it winds its way from from Langwies to Arosa. It is also the only course in Switzerland that has a 1.2 kilometre downhill stretch.

Known for her beauty, passion and incredible on-screen success, OMEGA brand ambassador Nicole Kidman was the perfect candidate to officially open OMEGA’s celebratory exhibition in St. Petersburg entitled “Her Time”.

OMEGA’s well-travelled showcase of women’s watchmaking was launched with signature OMEGA style at a special cocktail party and dinner attended by international guests and media, as well as Oscar-winner and OMEGA ambassador Nicole Kidman. OMEGA’s “Her Time” displays OMEGA’s evolution of women’s timepieces and changing styles, from early Lèpine pendants and the iconic Ladymatic, through to “secret jewellery watches” and today’s latest creations.

The granite and marble of St. Petersburg’s famous neoclassical palace provided a stark and striking backdrop to OMEGA’s quintessentially feminine timepieces, and brought a real sense of drama to the display. OMEGA’s journey with women has been a synchronised story of time and fashion. No matter the decade, the brand has always kept step with society’s many changing attitudes and styles.